Tim Howard: His save in the second minute to deny Mike Williamson at point blank range was a huge turning point. Rarely troubled after but a refreshingly positive afternoon for the shot-stopper who dealt confidently with Newcastle's crossing. 7

Seamus Coleman: Has worked ceaselessly to recapture his immense form of last term. Still not quite there but a bright, lively display nonetheless. 7

Phil Jagielka: Another towering performance from the Mr Consistent skipper who has proved to be an inspirational leader in the last couple of much improved displays. 8

Antolin Alcaraz: Almost a liability at times on Thursday, he was much improved here. Produced an important block in the second half to stifle a Newcastle threat and rarely looked troubled. 7

Leighton Baines: Back in the side after a rare spell on the sidelines, he struggled to have his usual impact going forward but played his part in the clean-sheet with typically solid defending. 7

Aaron Lennon: Plenty of high-energy pressing without the ball and lots of teasing runs and threat with it. Didn't always produce a quality final ball but won the penalty and did enough to cause Fabricio Coloccini to lunge in for an early bath. 8

James McCarthy: Notched only his second goal for the club to make the breakthrough, and clearly enjoyed the chance to attack. A display that suggested there is more to the Ireland man than a strictly defensive skill-set, although he was terrific in that respect too. 8

James McCarthy (left) celebrates with teammate Phil Jagielka (right) after scoring his side's first goal

Darron Gibson: Quietly influential in a withdrawn role which allowed him to pull the strings and also gave McCarthy licence to bomb forward. 7

Leon Osman: Showed once again how badly he has been missed. Helped bring composure and fluency to the midfield and unlucky to see a fine strike saved in the second half. 8

Arouna Kone: Held the ball up well, moved with intelligence as the focal point of the attack and looked like a man desperate to make up for lost time. Should have scored in the second half though. 7

Romelu Lukaku: Another big performance from the forward whose confident penalty means he has overtaken his tally from last term. 17 under his belt and there's no reason why he can't achieve the rare Everton feat of 20 goals in a season. 8

Romelu Lukaku scores his second penalty of the week ... after asking Leighton Baines for permission!